Autumn Olive
Elaeagnus umbellata · Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with entire margins
Margin
Entire, with slightly wavy or undulating edges
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent pale midrib and faint lateral veins branching out
Key Features
Silvery scales covering the undersides of the leaves, young stems, and buds; wavy leaf margins; nitrogen-fixing root nodules
Description
Autumn Olive is a large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 20 feet tall. It features silvery-scaled young twigs, fragrant pale yellow flowers in spring, and abundant red, juicy berries speckled with silver dots in autumn. The leaves are easily recognized by their contrasting green tops and silvery, scaly undersides.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, old fields, forest edges, open woodlands, and along roadsides; highly adaptable to poor soils and drought conditions
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea); widely introduced and naturalized throughout much of eastern and central North America